Destination jorquera

A little of history

Jorquera reached great splendor during the Iberian, Muslim and Christian periods. Within its walls we can distinguish the Almohad walled enclosure of the 12th century that delimits its surroundings, together with the castle where the Cid Campeador stayed on his way to Valencia. Once the area was reconquered in 1211 by Alfonso VIII, it fell back into the hands of the Almohades in that same year. Finally, Alfonso VIII along with the militias of the councils of Madrid, Guadalajara, Cuenca, Huete and Uclés managed to take Jorquera permanently. This was how in 1266 it was segregated to the jurisdiction of Cuenca, the council being attached to the entire Manchuela.

Photo surroundings Jorquera Castle of http://www.turismocastillalamancha.es

WHAT TO SEE IN JORQUERA

In the streets of Jorquera a whole series of stories and legends are spread. Among them, the captivity of Doña Blanca and hence the name of one of the towers that are built in the fifteenth century. We also recommend you to visit the Church of Santa María la Asunción, and its walled enclosure, both declared assets of cultural interest. At present, in the facades of the urban helmet the nobiliary heraldics are conserved, among them they emphasize: The Shield of the Marquess of Villena, the Shield of the Ortega and the Shield of the Tomás- Alarcón

Around Jorquera

In the surroundings of Jorquera, the municipalities of La Recueja (about 10 minutes) and Cubas (20 minutes) are exceptional destinations to enjoy nature and active tourism. For amateurs of the adventure, we recommend you to highlight the Route through the Júcar de la Manchuela, an adventure far from the "mundanal noise" that goes from Valdeganga to Villa de Ves, 63km full of landscapes and paths of extraordinary beauty, of which the more complicated are the last 15, in the Tranco del lobo and the climb to the Barrio del Santuario.

Photo: Route around the Júcar de la Manchuela

Near Jorquera

Alcalá del Júcar is 16 Km away from Jorquera, the scene for many years of the struggles of the nobles against the royal power. Declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1982, it is one of the most spectacular and picturesque towns in the province of Albacete. Other places of interest enriched by the historical and cultural splendor of La Manchuela are Fuentealbilla and Villatoya. The latter, marks the border between the provinces of Albacete and Valencia, a reference point for its Spa, whose waters from the springs of the area is a reference point since 1786.

Photo of Alcalá del Júcar from www.turismocastillalamancha.es

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of La Manchuelais marked, as its landscapes, especially by the vineyard, the olive tree and the cereal. The gazpachos from La Mancha, the migas ruleras, together with the game meats are the star dishes of the area. Also, the great variety of desserts such as rice pudding, marzipan and fried milk are recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation until our days preserving the flavors of yesteryear. All this, accompanied by the best wines with the designation of origin of Valdepeñas, Jumilla, Méntrida or Mondéjar.

Photo: Rice with milk

Where to sleep in Jorquera

In the heart of the Manchuela, located between Albacete and Cuenca, is
XUQ Lomas de Ruvira de Rusticae, five cave houses led by two young people, rich in ideas and lovers of the ancient, guardians of beauty and ecological values ​​that we They allow you to connect with the magic and authenticity of your rural environment and its paths. Its name XUQ, is inspired by Xuquer, Arabic name of the river Júcar, vertebrador of these earth. In these boutique accommodations, white is the protagonist, unique environments, where beauty is cared for and protected to return to a new life these caves, representatives of the traditional way of life of the Manchuela.